Two people have been arrested and a haul of drugs, guns and stolen property seized by police in Northland following a spate of crime in the region.
A man and a woman have been arrested for a number of crimes and police are expecting further charges to be made following several burglaries and thefts around the area.
Northland Field Crime Manager Acting Detective Inspector Kevan Verry said police executed a search warrant on Wednesday morning in Hikurangi, just north of Whangārei.
As a result, police found a .22 calibre rifle, 205 rounds of ammunition, a kilogram of cannabis, and stolen property from a string of burglaries around Northland.
Det Insp Verry said a 30-year-old woman was arrested and charged with possession of cannabis for supply, and unlawful possession of a firearm and will appear in Whangārei District Court on Monday.
Police were also investigating a second person of interest who was sighted by officers just before 11am on Thursday, travelling in what is believed to be a stolen vehicle on Western Hills Drive, Whangarei.
Police said they pursued the vehicle after the driver failed to stop for police signals.
As the driver was deemed to pose a risk to public safety, police said the Northland Armed Offenders Squad also assisted in the pursuit.
Det Insp Verry said police eventually forced the vehicle to a stop in a service alley behind a group of shops in Kamo, and the driver was subsequently arrested.
Police also arrested a passenger in the car, but he was released shortly after because he was not involved in any of the offences being investigated.
Det Insp Verry said the driver had two outstanding warrants to arrest and he has additionally been charged with failing to stop, driving whilst disqualified, and dangerous driving.
He will be appearing in Whangārei District Court at a later stage.
Det Insp Verry said police are still investigating a number of burglaries and thefts around the area, and further charges are likely.
"Northland Police would like to assure the public that the incident today was resolved quickly, and without harm to the community," Det Insp Verry said.
"We are committed to addressing any offending relating to the unlawful possession of firearms and the dealing of illicit drugs."
Police encourage anyone with information to report it online at 105.police.govt.nz, call Police on 105, or report it anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
